Shipping Container Types

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Dry storage containers are the most prevalent type of shipping container. They measure 20, 40, and 45 feet in length and are designed to convey dry products. 

These containers do not allow for temperature control, hence they cannot be used to transport refrigerated foods or chemicals. Most long-distance freight generated by global trade is conveyed in shipping containers. 

The most popular shipping containers on the market are 40-foot containers and their 20-foot brother. They not only cost less than specialized container types like reefers and tanks, but they also have a few benefits. Scroll down to find out more.

With the millions of items being sent around the world each year, it can come as no surprise that types of container ships a requirement that forces objects of all different sizes and shapes to fit inside containers.

Specialized containers and ordinary freight containers are required, which is directly related to the high demand. To reduce space, simplify logistics, and accommodate a variety of cargoes, the standard containers must be simple to stack.

We’ll start by providing a general overview of the 20-foot container before delving deeper into the 40-foot container.

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The decision between a 20ft and a 40ft container is influenced by a number of variables, including the type of freight being shipped, the destination, and the cost. The following  are the benefits of each size of container:

Benefits of a 20-foot container:

20ft containers are often less priced than 40ft containers, making them a more economical option for smaller shipments.

Maneuvrability: 20-foot containers are easier to manoeuvre, which can be advantageous in confined places or when loading area access is restricted.

20-foot containers are more versatile in terms of transport alternatives, as they can typically fit on smaller vehicles and be transported by rail with greater ease.

Benefits of a 40-foot container:

40-foot containers have twice the storage capacity of 20-foot containers, making them excellent for transporting larger goods or bulky cargo.

When transporting a significant quantity of cargo, a 40ft container can be more efficient because it can hold more cargo per container, thereby lowering the number of containers required.

Security: 40-foot containers typically have more sophisticated security features, such as locking systems and CCTV cameras, which might be crucial for high-value cargo.

The choice between a 20ft and 40ft container will ultimately depend on the precise requirements of your shipment, including the type of cargo, the distance to be travelled, and your budget.

Dry containers are essentially steel boxes that are used to transport a range of commodities. Dry containers have little insulation, so products within must be temperature resistant. As a result, you frequently mail items like papers, clothing, etc. in dry containers. 

Because they are the preferred box for container buyers and sellers and are most frequently bought in 20 and 40-foot, they are also known as standard containers.

The two container sizes that are most frequently utilized today are 20 and 40 feet. And in ordinary life, you can hear them referred to as Conex boxes – the very container that kickstarted shipping as we currently know it – and dry containers. 

The Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU), sometimes known as a 20-foot container, has evolved into the accepted unit of measurement. Currently, a vessel’s capacity and cargo volume are frequently expressed in TEU.

The Forty-foot Equivalent Unit (40ft) refers to 40ft containers, which are equivalent to two TEUs. shortened to FEU.

Consider sending 200 full-sized mattresses, 48,000 bananas, or 18,000 iPads if you’re shipping electronics. the the an an an an an an an an an an an an an a. Also, you may load it with twice as much using a 40-foot container.

Containers are often built of steel or aluminium. For the most effective stacking, the containers must have a consistent size. The International Organization for Standardization has mandated standard sizes for containers across the sector (ISO).

The same is true for the 20- and 40-foot Dry Van container sizes. Because they can transport the majority of dry freight, they are known as dry vans. 

Everything from barrels, pallets, and crates to garments that are already hanging on hooks are possible. In addition to everything in between.

The containers’ interiors can be altered to accommodate the majority of dry freight.

Like Dry Storage containers, but without a lid, this type of storage unit is ideal for use in wet environments. This facilitates the loading of bulky goods. A plastic roof can be attached to the container and secured with ropes to keep out the rain and other forms of precipitation.

Overheight Frames are used to transport equipment of this sort since the load may exceed the height of the shipping container.

One long side of an open-side container can be opened completely. This is helpful for items that are too wide to easily fit through the door of a tunnel container or dry storage container.

The side opens like a pair of doors, but it may be locked in place if necessary to keep your merchandise safe. 

There is no roof or sidewalls on a flat rack container. As a result, bulky items can be loaded onto the rack from above or to the side with ease. The standard length for a flat rack container is 20 feet, however they can also be 40 feet in length. 

Not all flat rack containers are rigid; some can be folded down, while others have optional walls that may be connected to the framework.

Like Dry Storage containers, but without a lid, this type of storage unit is ideal for use in wet environments. This facilitates the loading of bulky goods. A plastic roof can be attached to the container and secured with ropes to keep out the rain and other forms of precipitation.

Overheight Frames are used to transport equipment of this sort since the load may exceed the height of the shipping container.

Tanks are containers with the speciality of storing fluids. Due to the chemicals they transport, they are typically made from corrosion-resistant materials.

Besides liquids, tanks can also be used to store sugar and other dry products.


A reefer, also known as a refrigerated container, is a special type of intermodal container designed to transport perishable goods that must be kept at a constant temperature.

A reefer may have its own built-in refrigeration system, but it must still be powered by outlets (“reefer points”) on the dock, in the container, or elsewhere.

Diesel-powered generators (“gen sets”) can be attached to the container and run while it is being carried on a trailer or rail wagon. Temperatures from -65 degrees Celsius up to 40 degrees Celsius can be maintained in refrigerated containers.

These containers are only half the height of standard containers and are made primarily of steel. Typically used for goods that need minimal effort to load and unload, such as coal, stones, and the like. More and more Containerized Bulk goods is being shipped in these containers.

Customized storage containers come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Items that can’t be stored in a standard shipping container are transported using them. 

Because of the high costs associated with manufacturing and delivering specialized containers, most Canadian shipping companies try to avoid using them. To be fair, this is required for some loads.

Be it a container from China to Canada or shipping from Canada  to USA or specifically hotter places like shipping refrigerated freight from Canada to California. With the right implementation from Paige Logistics, we can revolutionize your supply chain with our award winning dedicated transport and  logistics services and keep your products fresh and safe during transit.

Alexander Crane
Alexander Crane

Author & Chief Executive Officer at Paige Logistics Ltd. → Experienced Operations Manager with a demonstrated history as a leader in the Freight Shipping, Transportation, Trucking and the Railroad Industry.